After an impressive rookie season with Alfa Romeo Sauber in 2018, his talent earned him a coveted spot with Scuderia Ferrari, where he drove the iconic Ferrari SF90 alongside four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel. From that moment, his Formula 1 career soared, and he quickly became a fan favourite for both his racing prowess and his connection with Ferrari’s passionate Tifosi.
Now, let’s take a deeper look into some fun and fascinating facts about this Monégasque F1 driver, who hails from the glamorous streets of Monte Carlo, Monaco.
The heartbreaking loss of his father
Charles’s father, Hervé Leclerc, passed away in 2017, just four days before Charles won the feature race of the Formula 2 Championship round in Baku. Before signing his contract with Ferrari, Charles told his father a little white lie – he said he had already secured the deal with the legendary team, even though it hadn’t happened yet. It was his way of bringing joy to his dad during a tough time, and a year later, he truly made that dream come true by joining Ferrari in 2019.
His godfather Jules Bianchi passed away in a crash
Charles’ godfather, Jules Bianchi, was a talented F1 driver for Marussia who tragically lost his life in a crash at the 2015 Japanese Grand Prix. Jules was a mentor and inspiration for Charles, and his death had a profound impact on the young driver. To this day, Charles carries Bianchi’s memory with him, often dedicating his victories to his godfather’s legacy.
Racing runs in the family
Charles isn’t the only Leclerc making waves in motorsport. His younger brother, Arthur Leclerc, is currently racing in Formula 2, following in his brother’s fast footsteps. The two brothers share a close bond, and fans are excited to see what Arthur can achieve as he works his way up toward the top tiers of racing.
Racing up the F1 standings
As of the current 2024 season, Charles is fighting for the top positions in the F1 standings and is currently sitting in 3rd place. Known for his fierce competitiveness and relentless drive, he has consistently challenged other top drivers for the championship. His eight wins since his F1 debut have cemented his place as one of the sport’s top talents. This year alone, Charles has won three major races: his home Grand Prix in Monaco, Ferrari’s home race in Monza, Italy, and most recently, the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, where Ferrari celebrated a stunning 1-2 finish with his teammate Carlos Sainz.
Winning milestones at Monza
Charles’ victory at his home race in Monaco was a particularly emotional moment for the young driver. After years of trying to win in front of his home crowd, Charles finally secured the top spot in 2024. This win was also especially meaningful, as Charles dedicated it to his late father, ensuring that he paid tribute to the man who had always supported his racing career. Charles also thrilled the Tifosi (Ferrari fans) by winning Ferrari’s home for the first time in 2019 and again this year, earning him the additional title of ‘The Prince of Monza’.
Meet Leclerc’s furry best friend, Leo
Off the track, Charles has a special companion – his adorable miniature long-haired dachshund named Leo. The two are inseparable, and Leo frequently makes appearances on Charles’ social media and is often spotted with him at the paddock, adding a touch of fun and cuteness to his fast-paced life. Fans love seeing this softer side of the F1 driver as he enjoys quality time with his beloved furry friend.
Leclerc’s girlfriend, Alexandra
Charles is currently dating Alexandra Saint Mleux, and the couple first connected in early 2023. Since then, they have been spotted together at various F1 events and glamorous outings. Alexandra often cheers him on from the paddock, showing her unwavering support as he navigates the fast-paced and intense world of F1 racing. Apart from being an F1 WAG (read: wives and girlfriends of athletes), Alexandra has a large social media following, where she shares everything from her fashionable outfits to photos and videos of her passion for art and her travels. She has a following of over 1.1 million on both Instagram and TikTok.
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s bond
Charles and his current teammate, Carlos Sainz, share a strong bond that extends beyond their roles as Ferrari drivers. Their chemistry is evident not only in their impressive teamwork during races but also in the playful interviews and entertaining videos they create together. Fans often enjoy their lighthearted banter and camaraderie (see #Charlos on social media), showcasing a friendship that enriches their F1 experience. However, this dynamic duo will be parting ways soon, as Carlos Sainz has signed with Williams Racing for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Future teammates with a legend
Looking ahead to 2025, the F1 world is buzzing with excitement – Charles Leclerc will be teaming up with none other than Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion and often hailed as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). The Leclerc-Hamilton duo at Ferrari is bound to be one of the most exciting partnerships in recent F1 history, and fans can’t wait to see how these two stars will perform together.
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